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FIM hosts annual EU policy debate: Riders & Drivers – Fighting Invisibility Together!
On 10th October, FIM held its annual reception and policy debate, titled ‘Riders & Drivers: Fighting Invisibility Together!. The event gathered the motorcycling community, policymakers, and NGO and industry representatives to discuss the key road safety concerns of the PTW sector against the backdrop of recent developments in EU road safety legislation. In their opening speeches, Wim van de Camp MEP (EPP, Netherlands), Coordinator of the EPP Group in the Transport and Tourism (TRAN) Committee, and Karima Delli MEP (Greens/EFA, France), Chair of the TRAN Committee, discussed the ongoing revision of General and Pedestrian Safety Regulations, which together compromise type approval safety standards for road transport. Following their interventions, Member of Board of Directors of FIM Jos Driessen formally commenced the event and reminded the importance of road safety for FIM as an advocate for all motorcyclists. The joint support of European Commissioner Violeta Bulc, FIA President Jean Todt, ACEM President Stefan Pierer, and Dorna Chief Executive Officer Carmelo Ezpeleta at the launch of the “WE, THE RIDERs” campaign last August was key in making this a reality. Matthew Baldwin, Deputy Director-General, DG MOVE and European Coordinator for Road Safety, European Commission, then presented the European Commission’s work, concentrating on the forthcoming EU road safety policy framework 2021-2030, due to be presented in 2019. The policy debate continued with two panel sessions. The first, ‘2021-2030 PTWs & Road Safety Challenges’, included contributions from Laurence Atchison, European Transport Safety Council, Lother Kienle, Continental. While the second, featured Antonio Perlot, ACEM, Oriol Abad Vela, DORNA Sports, Michael Woodford, Safer Roads Foundation, Benjamin Krieger, CLEPA, following a presentation of FIM’s ‘’WE, THE RIDERS’’ Campaign’, which aims to increase driver awareness of motorcyclists across Europe, by FIM Programmes Director Damiano Zamana. Commenting on the ‘‘‘We, The Riders’’ Campaign’, Mr Zamana highlighted FIM’s vision of roads where everyone can enjoy the joy of riding without fear. Wim van de Camp MEP gave closing remarks, before Steve Aeschlimann, FIM CEO, concluded the event by endorsing the increased interest of various stakeholders in the discussion on how to improve riders’ safety. Steve Aeschlimann, FIM CEO commented: “This annual initiative from the FIM brings together all the stakeholders involved with road safety. Our detailed discussions and decisions around ways to amplify our education and policies prove its essential role and the collective spirit of the cause for the benefit of riders in the EU.”
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